Estella Kim
Piano / Honolulu, Kakaako
Areas
Piano
Location(s)
Honolulu, Kakaako
Travel?
YES (Honolulu, Kahala, Aina Haina, Hawaii Kai)
Accepting New Students?
YES
Ages Taught
4 - Adult
Levels Taught
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Levels Taught
English, Korean
About
Education
B.S., PUC
Affiliations
HMTA/MTNA
Biography
Music has always been at the heart of my life, and the piano has been my greatest companion on that journey. I began playing at a young age, falling in love with the sound of the instrument and the way it can tell stories without words. What started as a childhood passion has grown into a career of teaching, performing, and sharing the joy of music with others. Although music holds a special place in my heart, the value of a person is much greater. I take personal interest in the wellbeing of my students. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching students of all ages and levels, from curious beginners tapping out their first melodies to advanced players preparing for competitions and college auditions. Each student brings their own unique personality and goals, and I believe lessons should reflect that individuality. As a teacher, friend, and musical companion, I take great responsibility in supporting my students musical journey with me. Being a teacher is completely different than being a musical performer. It requires verbal communication, empathy, support, and genuine warmth. Everyone’s personality and background is unique. Teaching methods, curriculums, style of communication, level of focus, and many other factors all need to be modified according to their needs to support a satisfying experience that can last a lifetime. There is a saying, “Practice does not make perfect, however, perfect practice makes perfect.” One of the most valuable lessons that I incorporate in my teaching is not that of the piano keys itself—but how to direct the mind or the brain to support efficient learning. It’s not about how much one practices but rather how one practices. After all, music starts in the mind!
Contact
This directory is service provided to teaching members of the Hawaii Music Teachers Association and to the Hawaii community. While HMTA will do its best to connect Hawaii flute students with local flute teachers, the responsibility for fulfillment and content of flute lessons, as well as safety, rests solely with the individual teachers. If you are a flute teacher in Hawaii and would like to be listed in this directory, please consider becoming a member.